THE MARTON CADETS.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 18, Issue 1196, 13 December 1871, Page 2

THE MARTON CADETS.

We (Independent) have been favored with a beautifully executed photograph of a \evy pleasing ceremony in connection with this gallant little corps, which took place on Wednesday week in the hall of the Rutland Hotel, where the boys were drawn up two deep to receive a graceful recognition of their ef iiciency from the hands of Lady Bo wen For the particulars of the parade we are indebted to the Wanganui Herald. Her ladyship, who was attended by the Defence Minister, was suitably received by the cadets, who presented arms in a most soldiei-like manner as her ladyship came towards them. The Defence Minister introduced Oapt. Coleman to Lady Bowen. Her ladyship said she had been-watching the cadets from the window of the hotel, and she was much pleased with their soldierly appearance and the manner in which they drilled ; also that her little girls were very much interested in them. She had a son about seven years old, and intended him to join a cadet corps immediately, and would be proud to see him doing his duty in such a corps as the one now before her. Her ladyship hoped they would be good lads, and grow up to be good men, and always do their duty well. She acknowledged the receipt of the photo, from Oapt. Coleman, and was much pleased with it; and had much pleasure in presenting the cadets with a purse (the purse was made of blue silk and contained ten sovereigns) in appreciation of their services and behaviour. Oapt. Coleman said, in reply, that his feelings of graditude had so

overcome him that he could not sufficiently express his thank*, But he 3 as

well as the cadets, would always remember the day with pleasure and pride. The corps had only been raised a few months, and the boys had worked hard to learn the drill; however, the honor done tliem fully compensated for all their trouble. At this stage Lady Bowen asked to see the " Little Sergeant," when Sergeant M'Donald was called to the front. He caused no little amusement anions the bvstanders Zj v by his soldierly appearance, coupled by his dimintithe size (certainly not more than three feet three inches.) Her ladyship shook his hand in a cordial manner, and said he would no doubt make a fine little soldier. The Defence Minister addressed a few words of a complimentary nature to the lads. The corps gave three hearty cheers for Lady Bowen, and after a few word- from their captain, who spoke with pardonable feelings of pride about the high compliments that had been paid to them, they were dismissed. And thus ended an especially pleasing little episode.